KARS-Net 2025 Report: 73% ESBL E. coli, 43% Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella in Kerala

IARC Classifies Three WHO Essential Medicines as Group 1 Carcinogens: Hydrochlorothiazide, Voriconazole, Tacrolimus

IARC, the WHO cancer research agency, has classified three widely used drugs—hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus—as Group 1 carcinogens. Despite this, experts stress that patients should not stop treatment as the benefits for hypertension, fungal infections, and organ transplant rejection far outweigh the cancer risk. The drugs are on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and are commonly prescribed in India.

Karnataka Announces 7.5% Reservation for Rural Govt School Students in Medical, Engineering Seats

Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced a 7.5% reservation for rural government school students in medical and engineering courses to improve access to professional higher education. Additionally, AI education from Class 6, a government AI university in Bengaluru, and an exam reform committee were announced. This is significant for social justice and education policy in state exams.

Karnataka Launches KEO AI PC at ₹18,999 for Govt Schools; RISC-V Open-Source Architecture

Karnataka has launched KEO, India's first home-made AI personal computer at ₹18,999, aimed at government schools, farmers, and the common public. This open-source RISC-V based device democratizes AI computing and is initially being distributed across 239 taluks. For exam aspirants, this is a key example of state-led technology innovation and affordable AI access.

Bihar Government Launches 24×7 Vidya Saathi Platform for Classes 9-12 with Free JEE/NEET Prep in 700 Model Schools

Bihar has launched a 24×7 interactive learning platform 'Bihar Vidya Saathi' providing free, one-to-one live teacher support to students of Classes 9-12 in 700 model schools. The initiative covers 3 lakh students, includes AI-based tools, and offers digital study material for JEE and NEET preparation, making it a significant step toward bridging the digital education gap and enhancing competitive exam readiness at the state level.

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

ICMR Study: 61% Gram-Negative Infections Carbapenem-Resistant; Mortality 39-51%

A large ICMR study across 20 Indian hospitals (2022-2025) reveals that carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections cause significantly higher mortality (39-51% in bloodstream infections) and cost 1.1-2 times more to treat. The study stresses that antimicrobial resistance is a complex interplay of healthcare transmission, antibiotic pressure, and diagnostic gaps, not just antibiotic overuse.

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.